WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In a tightly-contested game that featured a combined seven hits, Rutgers baseball fell on the short side in a 1-0 loss Sunday at Purdue. The only tally of the day was an unearned run in the bottom of the first, which proved to be the difference.
 
Graduate student Karl Blum (0-3) pitched a career-high five innings on the mound, scattering three hits and stranding four on base. The right-hander was not charged with an earned run in a tough-luck defeat. Redshirt junior Ryan Wares followed by striking out two in a scoreless frame, while junior Serafino Brito posted two zeroes on the scoreboard to keep the Scarlet Knights (22-18, 6-9) within striking distance.
 
It was the fourth time this season that the pitching staff prevented any earned runs and the 10^th game holding an opponent to two runs or less.
 
However, the RU bats only picked up three singles at the plate. Juniors Carmen Sclafani and Jawuan Harris both registered consecutive hits in the second and redshirt freshman Dan DiGeorgio connected in the eighth. A total of six runners were left on base.
 
The run in the first came after Nick Dalesandro recorded a one-out single, stole second and advanced to third on an error. An RBI grounder followed for Purdue (24-16, 10-4).
 
Rutgers had a chance to even the game in the second, sixth and eighth by putting a runner in scoring position, but all were stranded.
 
Trent Johnson (2-1) earned the win for the home team with six strikeouts over five-plus innings. Ross Learnard dealt a perfect ninth for his eighth save.
 
The Scarlet Knights return to Bainton Field Tuesday at 1 p.m. to host Columbia.
 
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter (@RutgersBaseball), Instagram (@rutgersbaseball), Facebook (/BaseballRU) and Snapchat (rutgersbaseball). For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.